"We can't do this," Severus whispered against Harry's lips. Despite his own words, he didn't move away, only pushed against Harry's lips a little more. 'I don't know what I'm doing, stop…' Severus felt suddenly weak as he felt Harry's small push back. 'Push me away…' He silently pleaded, but Harry only came closer.

Harry's heart was racing, his mind was empty. He was soaring Heaven high; he'd never felt anything like this before. Not Ginny, not Cho. But Lexus… what was this, this feeling? What could put you this high up, what could make you feel so invincible that you feel as if you're willing to risk it all for one person? This wasn't how he felt for Hermione or Ron, though he'd protect them in a heartbeat. For Lexus… he'd give him his heartbeat. For Lexus, he was willing to attempt the impossible.

Harry put five inches of distance between them, his eyes unfocused. Severus couldn't help but smile bitterly. Harry was so innocent; it was sickening.

"Tell me something, Harry," Severus said dryly. Harry reached forward and touched his hand making him bite his lip and shut his eyes tight.

"What is it?" Harry asked.

"Why are you…" Severus hesitated. Did he really want to know the answer? Harry squeezed his hand and he realized, yes, he did. But what good would it do? He looked up at Harry's emerald eyes and cursed… "Why are you letting me do this to you?"

Harry's gaze didn't falter. "There's just something about you. I want to know you, Lexus—" Severus flinched "—and everything you're willing to tell… It's just you."

"As poetic as that is… I'd just like you to know…I'm not the person you believe me to be," Severus silently wished Harry would suddenly realize. He wished Harry's affection would turn to violence. He wished Harry's feeling would turn to hate and he'd walk away, and not glance back at all. But no. Not Harry Potter.

"Then show me the person you are supposedly," Harry said simply.

"I'm rude and I harsh to you—" Severus started, but Harry cut him off.

"I don't care, I don't expect anything of you," Harry declared. "People have problems, even people who are close…" His voice faded away but came back with all confidence. "But they sort things out. Like Ron and Hermione, and when you meet them, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. And they're happy. Why can't we." It wasn't a question.

Severus stared at the boy in front of him. The boy he looked at as so innocent. He smiled, in spite of himself. 'I've viewed you as a boy this whole time, Harry Potter. As innocent, as a child… when the actuality of it all… is that you are a grown man… or at least you're getting there. I can't give you that much credit… You've matured… Your words, your views…'

"Lexus, please," Harry's eyes pleaded, but his voice held strong. "I've never been good with this. I've only two relationships my whole life… I've never had this with a… a…"

Severus raised a brow. "Male?"

"Yea, but that doesn't matter," Harry shook his head. "You do."

Severus snorted. "Potter, you're like an open book of poetry. Since when have you been like this?"

"Never openly…but since I've met you."

Severus hid a smile. "You shouldn't change because of people."

"It's not changing; it's having a new awakening."

Severus closed his eyes. 'I'm forgetting the point in not allowing this to happen. Harry is your student, he is younger than you, he is…he's Harry James Potter for Merlin's sake! The son of your worst enemy... But…'

"I'm a Malfoy, you're a Potter—"

"'What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.'" Harry stated. "It's a quote from—"

"Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet," Severus nodded. "I know."

"The words are right though…A name is just a name, and I think the Malfoy's have gotten over this whole, 'Hate Potters' thing."

"You realize the tale of Romeo and Juliet is a tragedy, correct?" Severus looked at him.

"If you're trying to say we'd be a tragedy… I'd just have to say, nothing with you would be a tragedy," Harry said. "And even if it was, I'd be glad for the good times before the end."

"You're full of it Potter."

"Full of truths and words I'll stand by no matter what."

'Foolish Gryffindors…' Severus thought.

"So, what do you say?" Harry asked nervously.

Severus struggled with himself and felt his heart ache. He took a deep breath. "Now is honestly not the best time."

"Good things are worth waiting for," Harry said, confidence not deterred at all. "I don't mind."

Severus looked at Harry curiously… What happened to the nervous and shy boy from this morning? And when did a determined and confident man take his place?

OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoO

Draco drummed his finders on the wall lightly, his head on the cool stones of the castle wall. He stared down at the cracks in the bricks, chewing on his tongue gently.

"Draco?"

He turned slightly to see Parvati Patil eyeing him curiously. He stared into her eyes, hoping her gaze would falter, but she continued to look at him.

"What?"

"You seem upset."

"Your point?"

"Are you okay?"

"Gryffindors, always wanting to be in other people's business—"

"It's not about being nosy Draco, it's about caring. It doesn't matter if we aren't in the same house, we're still classmates."

"I hardly find you in any way close enough of a relationship where I would tell you what was wrong," Draco sneered.

Parvati rolled her eyes. "Obviously Draco. You aren't close to anyone."

"All for good reason Patil," Draco snapped. "What's the point in being close when—"

"Because you have people who stand by you through thick and thin and are there for you whenever you need them or need to talk," Parvati cut him off.

"That's Gryffindor talk," Draco smirked. "Slytherin's stand alone."

"Snakes can't stand at all," Parvati laughed. "They often need help to even get off the ground."

Draco stared at the girl as she smiled at him, a glitter in her eyes. 'Gryffindors are so idiotic, a bunch of fools. They waste their time on foolish acts.'

"I'll see you around Draco. I'm here to talk if you ever need to. Promise not to tell Lavender a word." Parvati winked before walking away.

Draco stared after. Talking about problems was not something Slytherins did. They kept to themselves and if there was a problem, they deal with it immediately...

But…what if a problem can't be dealt with? You can't just deal with emotions…

Draco put his head on the castle wall again and sighed.